While export markets are still interested in Florida grapefruit and shipments continue to countries such as Japan and continents such as Europe, yesterday's declaration of Martial Law by South Korean president Yoon Suk Yeol has put a pause on some of those exports. "We had to ask–do we want to ship anything to Korea right now and the answer is no," says Dan Richey of Riverfront Packing Company, who adds that an upcoming visit from representatives from Korea to ratify the system approach for delivery there could be impacted. "Korea is an important market to us but one that's always in a state of flux for reasons like we saw develop yesterday," he adds.
As for the supply of Florida grapefruit right now, it is consistent. "The volume is heavier towards the smaller fruit sizes but we're working to market those sizes appropriately and that's working well," Richey says. "Consumer acceptance and appeal is positive so I think supply and demand are in sync."
Earlier this fall, many eyes were on the grapefruit industry in Florida following Hurricanes Helene and Milton. In the first two critical weeks of evaluations post-hurricanes, it emerged that different parts of the state were affected differently by the storms. "Obviously in the eye of the storm, it was more adversely affected. However here on the river, we had little impact and it wasn't consistent," says Richey. "Some areas had virtually little impact and other areas had 20-25 percent crop loss and a lot of that was due to the downburst and the tornados embedded within the hurricane."
Good quality on grapefruit
He adds that most of those effects have worked their way through the system now. "We did see a continued fruit drop–that takes about two weeks after the hurricane. We're past that area now and focused on the remaining areas which still have an abundant amount of fruit and it's in very good condition," says Richey.
In all, the supply of Florida grapefruit is expected to be available until mid to end of March.
All of this is leaving pricing consistent. "We don't expect much fluctuation," says Richey. "Pricing started at one level and it's pretty much going to carry right on through to the end of the season. For us to maintain a viable industry, pricing is where it needs to be."
For more information:
Dan Richey
Riverfront Packing Company
Tel: +1 (772) 562-4124
www.scottcitrus.com